In the words of Maria Montessori, we shall describe the Montessori Method as an "aid to life." In the early 1900's she developed this philosophy of education based upon her intuitive observations of children from diverse cultures. She saw universal principles of human behavior, which belong to all peoples. There are three main themes to her work.
1) Human development does not occur in a steady pattern but in a series of four formative "planes." The first plane in development occurs from birth to age six. During this time, children are sensorial explorers. They will often find themselves absorbed with one characteristic in their environment to the exclusion of all others. The second plane occurs from age six to twelve. These children explore the world in abstract concepts rather than depending solely on concrete materials. The third plane occurs from age twelve to age eighteen. Children this age seek to understand the world and their place in it. The fourth plane occurs from age eighteen to twenty-four. As young adults, individuals seek to understand how to contribute fully to their society.
2) Human beings develop in relation to their environment. Dr. Montessori created materials to match the child's developmental needs. Many of these materials are specific to a Montessori classroom. The child uses this prepared environment to select the individual activities which correspond to his/her own "sensitive periods" of interest.
3) Human beings require freedom to follow their individual interests while developing within the prepared environment. When the child is free to follow his/her interests, focused learning occurs. To be free means to be in control of self, not to be controlled by emotions or whim. Children are free to choose their own activities. They are not free to waste their days in aimless activity or idle conversation with their friends. In a Montessori classroom, freedom always goes hand in hand with responsibility.
Your child's Montessori education will instill self-knowledge and a love of learning. These traits will provide a foundation for his/her entire life. A Montessori education is an aid to the development of a happy, independent, responsible and loving individual who continues to seek greater knowledge.
